UPGRADE TO IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IN ECHUCA

WORKS are under way to install new pedestrian crossing lights on the Murray Valley Highway (Ogilvie Avenue) at Echuca, as part of a broader package of works to improve the safety of the Murray Valley Highway between Echuca and Yarrawonga.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said the upgrade would significantly improve safety for pedestrians crossing on the east side of Campaspe Esplanade.

“We’re helping regional Victorians safely get where they need to go by modifying how the many drivers, cyclists and pedestrians who use this stretch of road interact,” Mr McCormack said.

Nearly 23,000 vehicles use Ogilvie Avenue every day and in the past 10 years, there have been four crashes on the section of highway, including three serious injury crashes.

Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said the $250,000 upgrade was part of the Victorian Government’s focus on improving safety across the regional road network.

“These lights will mean pedestrians and cyclists using the popular shared path along Campaspe Esplanade won’t need to risk darting across four lanes of busy traffic,” Mr Donnellan said.

Federal Member for Murray Damian Drum said the works would benefit the Echuca community and encourage pedestrians and cyclists to visit the growing area.

“Future works under the Echuca to Yarrawonga project will include more intersection upgrades, construction of an access road, shoulder sealing, and other improvements to make the 130-kilometre stretch of the highway from Echuca to Yarrawonga safer,” Mr Drum said.

State Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp said the Campaspe Esplanade shared path was heavily used by tourists, recreational cyclists and pedestrians, and is expected to become even more popular once the project is completed.

“As more tourists and new residents choose Echuca-Moama to work, visit and live, we’re making sure our communities are accessible and easy to get around,” Mr Gepp said.

Speed and lane restrictions will apply during construction, with works expected to be completed by August 2018.

The $20 million Murray Valley Highway – Echuca to Yarrawonga upgrade is jointly funded, with the Australian and Victorian Governments each committing $10 million.